Dear LMU Students, Faculty, and Staff,
In this past year and a half, we have all lived through an unprecedented time in history. The COVID-19 pandemic forced everyone to rethink the meaning of family, community, and time. This challenging period demonstrated that everything in our lives can change in a moment, and that nothing should be taken for granted, for tomorrow is not guaranteed.
It is easy to look at statistics of this tragic time and simply glance over the colossal amount of lives our world has lost, but we at LMU want to put a face and story behind those numbers. November has become the month of remembrance in many parts of our culture. We remember loved ones who have passed away, recently or long ago, near or far away. We invite you to introduce your loved ones to us by participating in an interfaith prayer service with your fellow Lions.
As an LMU community, we want to honor each and every person that our students, faculty, and staff have lost. The Residence Hall Association has partnered with Campus Ministry to create a restorative event full of love, peace, and reflection as we rise together from this life-altering year.
On November 2, 2021, which coincides with the Day of the Dead, (Dia de los Muertos), we will host a candlelight vigil on the steps of Sacred Heart Chapel at 8 pm. Please feel free to bring any family or friends you wish to share this experience with. After gathering out front, we will transition inside the chapel where we will have an ofrenda (an altar built to honor lost loved ones) where you will have the opportunity to place a picture or piece of memorabilia of those you have lost. These pictures and objects will be displayed the entire month of November, and you will then have the chance to collect your items after the month has passed. (The pictures can be 3 x 5, 4 x 6 or of similar size. They can be framed, but they don’t have to be.)
After this prayer service, refreshments and light food will be provided for all to enjoy underneath the chapel in the Cave. We hope that by gathering in community and sharing stories with those who have endured similar losses to one another, that we will open the door to our healing journey. We, as RHA and Campus Ministry, hope to see you all there.
If you do plan on attending, please fill out this Google form with the first and last name of your lost loved one(s).
Sincerely,
Jade Borg
RHA Director of Service and Justice
